Abstract: A computer-implemented method for augmenting customer support is disclosed in which a granular taxonomy is formed to classify tickets based on customer issue topic. A dashboard and user interface of performance metrics may be generated for the topics in the taxonomy. Recommendations may also be generated to aid servicing customer support issues for topics in the taxonomy. This may include generating information to aid in determining topics for generating automated responses or generating recommended answers for particular topics. In some implementations, an archive of historic tickets is used to generate training data for a machine learning model to classify tickets.

Abstract: A biologically degradable multi-component polymer fiber, in particular bi-component fibers, with advantageous physical properties, to a process for its production, as well as to its use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method including converting, during a first pass, video data from a first multi-component format to an intermediate multi-component format, the intermediate multi-component format including a first video component, the intermediate multi-component format including a second video component interleaved with a third video component, and converting, during a second pass, the video data from the intermediate multi-component format to a second multi-component format by de-interleaving the second component and third component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a hard surface with a nonwoven anti-microbial hard surface wipe, and more specifically to an anti-microbial hard surface wipe that more readily releases a disinfectant or anti-microbial agent, that includes coating a nonwoven wipe having a fibrous nonwoven substrate with a non-ionic and cationic binder mixture to provide a first coated nonwoven wipe, coating the first coated nonwoven wipe with a cationic dual quaternary ammonia anti-microbial agent to provide a second coated nonwoven wipe, providing a water source, and introducing the second coated nonwoven wipe to the water source wherein the cationic dual quaternary ammonia anti-microbial agent is readily released upon the second coated nonwoven wipe being introduced to the water source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven anti-microbial hard surface wipe, and more specifically to an anti-microbial hard surface wipe that more readily releases a disinfectant or anti-microbial agent. In a first embodiment, the nonwoven substrate of the present invention is comprised of a non-ionic binder, as well as a cationic disinfectant. The wipe is introduced into a water source and the disinfectant is readily released from the wipe so as to form a disinfectant solution. In a second embodiment, the nonwoven substrate of the present invention is comprised of a non-ionic binder and used along with a separate commercially available disinfecting or sanitizing solution. The disinfecting solution is preferably a cationic disinfecting solution, such as a cationic dual quaternary sanitizing system.

Abstract: A synthetic reinforcement fibrous material comprising releasable fibrous units during concrete mixing, where the fibrous units have a main filament element and plurality of integral outward extending subunits, useful as secondary reinforcement material and having a low Young's modulus for a more uniform distribution throughout a cementitious mixture incorporating the fibrous material, and imparts good finishability, strength, improved plastic shrinkage crack control, in also provides improved conformability within cementitious forms, especially within forms comprising bends. Improved cementitious compositions and fiber-reinforced concrete building products incorporating the synthetic fibrous material are also provided, as well as methods for making these materials.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a multiplicity of devices in a multimedia environment is described. The system has at least one central storage and interface device, wherein audio, video, and photographic information including content information and content management information, relating to at least one user, are stored in digital form. The system further has a plurality of zones each having a zone specific storage and interface device being capable of storing or interfacing with information stored in the central storage and interface device, wherein audio, video, or photographic information, relating to at least one user, contained within each one of the plurality of zone specific storage and interface devices and the central storage and interface device, are updated in relation with other zone specific storage and interface devices and the central storage and interface device.

Abstract: Improved fibrous structural reinforcements (16) for castable compositions (14) are provided and methods for making the same. In one implementation, the improved fibrous structural reinforcements rely 16) on an amorphous crystalline component (10), an isotactic crystalline component (12) and profiled terminal ends (20, 22) to improve flexural properties. The isotactic crystalline component (12) provides an initial strength to the fiber (16) and the amorphous crystalline component (10) provides a latent strength once the fiber (16) is subjected to tension and flexural input in the castable construct (14). The profiled terminal ends (20, 22) lock into a cured keyway (301) in the castable construct (14), thereby providing further enhancement to the tensile strength.

Abstract: The electro-conductive substrate of the present invention may comprise filaments extruded from a die orifice and at least one metal powder dispensed from a second orifice of the same die unit by way of a gas or liquid carrier. As the polymeric filament is extruded from the die, one or more metal powders may be simultaneously dispensed to coat the surface of the filament. As the polymeric melt and metal powder is extruded, air pressure is impinged upon the metal powder directing the powder toward the extruded filament. The metal powder adheres to the molten polymer as it is extruded for the die, coating the surface of the filament. The metal powder may also be incorporated into the polymeric melt prior to extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filamentary film construct which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental and reinforcing strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a unitized filamentary construct which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing filamentary film components combined with a circumferential retaining element, said circumferential retaining element providing temporary retention of the oriented reinforcing filamentary components until such point the unitized filamentary substrate is incorporated and subjected to mechanical agitation during preparation of a cementitious blend or mixture. The unitized filamentary film construct is endowed with inherent and improved dispensability and dispersability of the associated reinforcing filamentary component into organic or inorganic cementitious matrixes, such as concrete, mortar, plaster, etc. The oriented reinforcing filamentary film components can comprise fibrillated film components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric with improved flame retardant properties and the making thereof, whereby the nonwoven fabric is differentially entangled to collapse upon itself and self-extinguish upon burning. The self-extinguishing fabric further exhibits favorable tactile and ductile softness while obtaining sufficient physical strength.

Abstract: A cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with an open-ended vessel capable of receiving and holding fluid specimens or other materials for analysis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between a fluid sample present in the vessel and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap having a frangible seal which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device. The cap further includes a filter for limiting dissemination of an aerosol or bubbles once the frangible seal has been pierced. The filter is positioned between the frangible seal and a retaining structure. The retaining structure is positioned on the cap above the filter and may be used to contain the filter within the cap. The material of the retaining structure may be penetrable by a fluid transfer device.

Abstract: A cap including a penetrable material adapted to be pierced by a fluid transfer device and an absorbent material positioned above the penetrable material. The absorbent material permits passage of the fluid transfer device and absorbs fluid material present on an outer surface of the fluid transfer device as it is being removed from the cap. The cap is useful for accessing the contents of an associated fluid-holding vessel multiple times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a knitted net, and more specifically to an expandable knitted net. In one form, the net comprises a plurality of fill yarns with an elastomeric performance, which allows the net to expand in the cross-direction. In another form, the present invention is directed to a netting, and more specifically to a knitted netting comprising a plurality of chain yarns with dissimilar elongation performance oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of fill yarns oriented in a second direction, wherein the yarns oriented in the second direction secure the yarns oriented in the first direction in position within the netting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laminated net, and more specifically to a laminate comprising a nonwoven fabric and knitted net to be utilized as rounded bale wrap, wherein the wrap maintains the integrity of the bale during, pick-up, transport, and storage. The net of the present invention is laminate to nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric provides additional coverage to the rounded bale so as to maintain the compact shape of the bale during pick-up, transport, and storage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a knitted net, and more specifically to an expandable knitted net. In one form, the net comprises a plurality of fill yarns with an elastomeric performance, which allows the net to expand in the cross-direction. In another form, the present invention is directed to a netting, and more specifically to a knitted netting comprising a plurality of chain yarns with dissimilar elongation performance oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of fill yarns oriented in a second direction, wherein the yarns oriented in the second direction secure the yarns oriented in the first direction in position within the netting.

Abstract: A protective cover for protection of agricultural products comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting sufficient vapor permeability to alter or control the ripening of the agricultural product so ensconced while retarding passage of dust and insects. The protective cover is positioned generally about associated agricultural products, with the cover being particularly suited for use on products prior to harvest, such as bananas. The cover may be formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, and may be formed from fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven fabric may be formed with protection-enhancing agents such as insecticidal, fungicidal, algaecidal, decay-inhibiting, and UV-protective agents. The nonwoven fabric may be pigmented as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nonwoven materials, and specifically, to a nonwoven fabric comprised of at least three continuous filament precursor webs, each precursor web being of a thermoplastic polymer dissimilar from the other precursor webs, wherein the resulting durable nonwoven laminate fabric exhibits improved tactile and ductile qualities, as well as improved tensile strength, the nonwoven fabric being eminently suitable for application in improving the comfort and use of hygiene, medical and industrial products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the combined use of first and second fatty acid amides to improve the softness of a thermoplastic polymer construct. A combination of fatty acid amides is provided in the blend ratio of about 10 to 90 percent by weight of a first fatty acid amide and 90 to 10 percent by weight of a second fatty acid amide. The first and second fatty acid amides are compounded into a thermoplastic polymer carrier resin and, preferentially, produced as concentrate pellets containing 0.5 to 75 percent by weight total fatty acid amide loading. The concentrate pellets are introduced into a thermoplastic polymer base, to form a thermoplastic resin, at a letdown level in the range of about 1 to 15 percent, with the range of 2 to 10 percent being preferred, and the range of 3 to 6 percent being most preferred.

Abstract: A multi-component nonwoven fabric can be formed with integrated liquid-acceptance and liquid-distribution layers by hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device. Appropriate fiber selection promotes efficient fluid management, with the fabric optionally being provided with a liquid-retention layer. The invention further contemplates the formation of liquid-retention layers by hydroentanglement, with such layers exhibiting desirably high structural integrity, while providing the desired absorbent characteristics required for use in disposable absorbent products.